The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) is getting a small slice of $2 million in provincial emergency preparedness funding to support emergency social services (ESS).

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) Dec. 12 released the funding for Intake 2 of the Emergency Social Services component of the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) that was announced at the UBCM convention in September 2017. The funding is part of a $33.5-million plan designed to help communities prepare for, and respond to, disasters.

The RDEK is to get $24,700 for its established ESS team by upgrading training, equipment and supplies.

“Emergency social services represent a lifeline for individuals and families who have been evacuated and need help,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “These volunteers provide a vital service to British Columbians during their greatest hour of need, and this funding will help communities better support this vital emergency function.”

Intake 2 of Emergency Social Services funding under the Community Emergency Preparedness Fund closed on Oct. 5. Twenty-five applications were approved for Emergency Social Services training, volunteer recruitment and retention, and the purchase of equipment.

Another 10 applications are being reviewed.

“During the unprecedented flooding and wildfires this past couple of years, I’ve seen first-hand how emergency social services volunteers work tirelessly to make a difference,” said Jennifer Rice, Parliamentary Secretary for Emergency Preparedness. “Emergency social services provide a first step forward for a community that has suffered an emergency by providing assistance to meet immediate needs and helping people find a path forward after an emergency.”

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